President Obama Proposes $1.1 Billion to Address Opioid and Heroin Epidemic in New Budget

Turning PointMar 4, 2016

President Obama’s new budget for the 2017 fiscal year plans to allocate
$1.1 billion in mandatory funding to address the opioid and
heroin use epidemic. The money will be used to offer access to treatment plans
for anyone seeking help.

The United States has an opioid and heroin use epidemic.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that in 2014, over approximately 40,055 individuals lost their lives
to drug overdoses. Of this number, 28,648 people used prescription drugs
and heroin. This means drugs caused more American deaths than car accidents.
Furthermore, a 2012 study shows that of the 2.4 million U.S. citizens
dependent on opioid, only 1 million have access to treatments.

President Obama’s
new budget proposes spending more money on helping and preventing opioid and heroin usage.
Since 2010, the Obama Administration prioritized addressing our national
drug problem. The President plans to use $1 billion for the mandatory
funding, over two years, on expanding access to treatment for heroin and
prescription drug abuse.

$50 million in National Health Service Corps funding towards funding approximately
700 providers of substance use disorder treatment services

$30 million to evaluate and comment on the effectiveness of these treatment programs

Another $500 million will go towards aiding the ongoing efforts of the
Health and Human Services and The Department of Justice expand availability
of overdose-reversing medication such as naloxone and access to medication-assisted
treatment programs.

Sylvia Burwell, secretary of Health and Human Services, states,

Opioid abuse and overdose has hurt families across this nation, rich and
poor, black and white, urban and rural; no community has been immune.
Today’s budget announcement would mean a significant investment
in this fight. We could do more to save lives and turn this epidemic around.

At Turning Point, we are committed to assisting individuals who suffer
from opioid addiction. Our comprehensive services address all forms of
drug addiction. If you or a loved one is dependent on prescription drugs
or heroin, call our
New Jersey drug rehab facility today.